1. Real-name Requirement for High-speed Railway Tickets in China

Yes, purchasing high-speed railway tickets in China requires real-name registration. 1. Document Requirements: - Foreign tourists must use a valid passport (Passport) to buy tickets. In some cases, a Chinese residence permit or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents may also be used. - The name and document number filled out when purchasing the ticket must exactly match the ID carried during travel. 2. Real-name Verification Process: - For online purchases, bind your document information on the ticketing platform. - When entering the station and boarding, show both the ticket (e-ticket or paper ticket) and the original document used for purchase, passing through the gate machine verification.

2. How to Book High-speed Railway Tickets in China

1. Online Booking Channels

(1) Official Channel: 12306 Website/App - Steps: - Register an account (passport information must be filled out and verified via email/phone). - Select departure location, destination, date, and check available trains. - Choose seat type (second-class, first-class, business-class), submit the order, and make payment (supports international credit cards like Visa/Mastercard; some require binding Alipay/WeChat Pay). - After successful booking, an e-ticket is generated, allowing direct entry to the station with your passport. - Language Support: The 12306 website and app offer basic English interfaces, but it’s recommended to use translation tools.

(2) Third-party Platforms: Trip.com, Ctrip (International Version) - Advantages: - Full English interface, supports international credit card payments. - Can book tickets on behalf of passengers and send electronic confirmation emails. - Steps: - Input trip details, choose train and seat preference. - Fill in passenger passport information and complete payment.

2. Offline Booking Channels

(1) Train Station Windows/Self-service Ticket Machines - Bring your original passport and inform the staff of your train and seat preferences. - Self-service machines support passport scanning, but the operation interface is in Chinese. Assistance from staff is recommended.

(2) Authorized Ticket Outlets - Located across cities (a service fee of about 5 yuan per ticket applies), providing passports is required.

(3) Travel Agency Booking - Suitable for group travelers or those needing customized itineraries, where agencies can assist with ticket booking.

3. Precautions for Ticket Purchase

1. Book in Advance:
2. High-speed railway tickets are usually released 15 days in advance. During peak seasons (such as Spring Festival, National Day), early booking is necessary.
3. Ticket Changes and Refunds:
4. Free rescheduling is allowed once more than 48 hours before departure. Refund fees vary based on time (minimum 5%, maximum 20%).
5. Language Barrier:
6. It is suggested to use platforms like Trip.com or translate key information (such as city names, train numbers) into Chinese beforehand.

4. Fee Reference

• Ticket Price Example (Beijing-Shanghai):
• Second-class seat: approximately 553 RMB
• First-class seat: approximately 933 RMB
• Business-class seat: approximately 1748 RMB
• Service Fees: Third-party platforms may charge service fees of 10-50 RMB per ticket.

5. Pitfall Avoidance Guide

1. Avoid Peak Periods: Railway tickets are tight during Chinese statutory holidays (such as National Day, Spring Festival). Try to travel off-peak.
2. Carry Documents at All Times: Document checks are required for entering, boarding, and exiting the station. Do not forget them.
3. Arrive Early: It is recommended to arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to allow time for security checks and finding the correct platform.
4. Verify Train Information: Chinese high-speed railways are divided into “G-series” (high-speed EMUs) and “D-series” (EMU trains), differing in speed and stopover stations.